This festival occurs on the eight day (Astami) of a lunar fortnight hence the name (Krishna+astami). Krishnastami which comes sometime in August is celebrated over two days. The first day is Krishnastami or Gokulastami. The second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmastami.
At midnight between the first and second days the 'birth of Lord Krishna is replicated with pomp and ceremony.
This festival occurs on the eight day (Astami) of a lunar fortnight hence the name (Krishna+astami). Krishnastami which comes sometime in August is celebrated over two days. The first day is Krishnastami or Gokulastami. The second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmastami.
At midnight between the first and second days the 'birth of Lord Krishna is replicated with pomp and ceremony. Delicacies are prepared from milk and curds that Krishna loved.
Peoplekeep fast on that day and after 12 a.m in the night once krishna is born they do puja. They first give offerings to Lord then they break the fast and take the food.
It is also said that on Janmastami day the rain falls to welcome the birth of the Lord.
The Ceremony of Dahi-Handi – During this ceremony a large earthenware pot is filled with milk, curds, butter, honey fruits etc. and is suspended from a height.
Its a sport like festival in which the earthen pot has to be broken by the participants. The person who breaks the pot is the winner and gets a prize.
It is done in order to show how Lord krishna broke several pots in Gokul with the help of his freinds.
We very well know that krishna used to break the earthen pots hanging at a height for milk, curd, makhan (butter) and ate away all the contents with his freinds and disappear from the spot.
Now a days thi Dahi – Handi celebration is done to remember Lord krishna as it symbloises his NATHKATÂ LEELA.